Craving a saucy, cheesy, utterly comforting dinner that puts a playful twist on two American classics? Let me introduce you to Cheeseburger Calzones—they’re the cozy, melty mashup you never knew you needed! Think juicy beef, cheddar, and all the best burger fixings bundled up inside golden, hand-held pizza dough. You’ll want to make a double batch because these disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-In-One Flavor Bomb: Every bite gives you the full cheeseburger experience (meaty, cheesy, tangy!) all bundled up in a golden pizza crust.
- Family-Friendly and Portable: These calzones are perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or even on-the-go lunches—no utensils required.
- Easy to Customize: You can totally make them your own by swapping in your favorite cheeses, pickles, or even going veggie.
- That Everything Bagel Crust: The crunchy, seasoned topping adds an irresistible twist that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Cheeseburger Calzones is how simple the ingredient list is—but don’t let that fool you. Every piece brings its own magic to the table, from that juicy beef to those classic burger toppings, for maximum flavor and texture in every bite.
- Ground Beef: The heart of any cheeseburger—use 80/20 for juicier results, or swap for ground turkey if you like.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These pantry staples build classic burger flavor right into the meat.
- Hamburger Pickles: Brings zesty crunch and that signature cheeseburger tang, chopped up so you get a bit in every bite.
- Thinly Sliced Tomato: Adds a subtle sweetness and fresh pop that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Cheddar Cheese (grated): Melts beautifully for gooey, savory pockets—feel free to mix it up with American or pepperjack if you’re feeling bold.
- Mayonnaise: Brushed inside the dough for extra moisture and a touch of creaminess, just like a great burger.
- Store-Bought Pizza Dough: No shame in the shortcut—round bistro dough or your favorite pizza dough makes this extra easy and delicious.
- Coarse Salt: A sprinkle on the crust before baking intensifies all the flavors.
- Egg (lightly beaten): The ultimate calzone hack for a shiny, golden crust that sparkles up beautifully in the oven.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds irresistible crunch, savory spices, and a bakery-fresh (but super easy!) finish to your calzones.
- Ketchup (for dipping): Optional, but highly recommended for that classic cheeseburger vibe.
Variations
One of the best things about Cheeseburger Calzones is how easy they are to riff on—whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge, cooking for picky eaters, or just want to try something new. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Bacon Cheeseburger Calzones: Toss some crispy bacon bits into the filling for an extra savory layer and smoky flavor.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms for even more flavor and a nutritional boost.
- Spicy Kick: Swap half the cheddar for pepperjack cheese and add sliced jalapeños or a squirt of sriracha inside for heat.
- BBQ-Style: Mix a little tangy BBQ sauce into the ground beef and use smoked cheddar for a fun Southern twist.
- Lightened Up: Go lean with ground turkey and low-fat cheese, or substitute whole wheat dough if you’d like a healthier spin.
How to Make Cheeseburger Calzones
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When most of the pink is gone, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt for that unmistakable burger flavor. Give everything a good stir and cook for another minute so the spices really infuse the meat. If things seem a bit dry, a drizzle of oil makes all the difference.
Step 2: Prep the Dough & Fillings
While the beef cools slightly, dust your work surface with flour and unroll your pizza dough. Slice it into four even rounds or wedges. Brush the inside of each piece with a swoosh of mayonnaise—it adds amazing flavor and helps the fillings stay moist. Layer on the seasoned beef, a few thin tomato slices, a sprinkling of chopped pickles, and a mound of shredded cheddar. (Don’t be shy—the cheesier the better!)
Step 3: Fold, Seal, and Top
Carefully fold each dough round over the fillings, creating a half-moon shape. Pinch and crimp the edges tightly—this part can be fun for kids to help with! Pop the calzones onto a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with beaten egg, then sprinkle over coarse salt and a flurry of Everything Bagel seasoning for that signature crunch and incredible aroma.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and puffed. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells like cheeseburgers—and you can’t resist peeking in. Let them cool for just a couple of minutes, then serve up these piping hot pockets with a side of ketchup (or any condiment you love).
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Calzones
- Seal the Deal: Pinch the edges of the calzone extra tightly to avoid any filling leaks while baking—pressing with a fork works wonders for a classic look!
- Don’t Overfill: Keep your fillings generous but manageable; overstuffed calzones can split or ooze in the oven. A heaping quarter-cup of beef per calzone is usually just right.
- Chill Your Dough: If your pizza dough is sticky or springy, a ten-minute rest in the fridge makes it easier to roll out and shape.
- Try Flavored Mayonnaise: For a zesty surprise, use spicy mayo or Dijon instead of plain for an extra punch inside your Cheeseburger Calzones.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Calzones
Garnishes
I love brushing the finished calzones with a tiny dab of melted butter and scattering extra Everything Bagel seasoning or fresh parsley on top the moment they come out of the oven. A sprinkle of sesame seeds brings a real “burger bun” look too. And if you’re a cheese fiend, a dusting of extra shredded cheddar on top right after baking creates a gooey, irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
Serve up your Cheeseburger Calzones with classic burger sides for the ultimate meal. Think crispy oven fries, a fresh green salad, simple coleslaw, or even roasted veggies. For a fun twist, set out a platter of different dipping sauces—think ranch, mustard, or spicy ketchup—to let everyone customize each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
These calzones are already fun and hand-held, but you can make them mini for parties and serve with toothpicks for easy munching. Or, try slicing one in half and stacking it upright with a pickle spear and drizzle of ketchup for a whimsical bistro-style plate. A basket lined with wax paper gives off total diner vibes—perfect for casual crowds or family movie night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheeseburger Calzones keep surprisingly well! Let them cool completely before sliding them into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for lunches, snacks, or late-night cravings.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep, bake the calzones, let them cool, then wrap tightly in plastic or foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, pull them out for an easy, crave-worthy meal anytime—no need to thaw if you don’t want to!
Reheating
The best way to bring calzones back to life? Pop them in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until the crust is crisp and fillings steamy. Microwave will work in a pinch (about 2 minutes), but you’ll get the very best texture from the oven or even a toaster oven.
FAQs
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Can I prepare Cheeseburger Calzones ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the calzones and store them unbaked in the fridge for up to 8 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply egg-wash and bake as instructed (you may need to add an extra couple of minutes to the bake time).
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What kind of dough works best for these calzones?
Any good-quality store-bought pizza dough will work—look for one that’s soft and stretchy but not too thin. Classic bistro dough gives a crisp, golden crust, but you can use thicker dough for a fluffier, more bread-like finish.
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Can I make these calzones vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based meat, or use a medley of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers for a delicious veggie filling that still delivers on that cheeseburger flavor.
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How do I keep my calzones from getting soggy?
Brush just a thin layer of mayo on the dough—too much can make it soggy. Also, make sure any veggies (like tomato slices) are patted dry before adding them, and always bake until that crust is nicely golden to lock in everything inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for something comfort-food-worthy, give these Cheeseburger Calzones a try! They’re guaranteed to make you smile and bring a little extra fun to your dinner table—no drive-thru required. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, savory treat!
Print
Cheeseburger Calzones Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cheeseburger Calzones are a fun twist on the classic cheeseburger, combining all the flavors in a convenient handheld calzone form. These cheesy, beefy pockets are perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup hamburger pickles
- Thinly sliced tomato
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
- 2–4 Tbs. mayonnaise
For the Calzones:
- Store-bought round pizza dough
- Coarse salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Ketchup, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion powders, salt, and cook briefly.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough, cut into four parts, brush with mayo, and add the beef, tomato, pickles, and cheese. Roll into calzones.
- Bake: Brush calzones with egg wash, sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning, and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy the calzones with your favorite condiments.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite burger toppings like onions, bacon, or mushrooms.
- Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone
- Calories: Approx. 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
